First Hawaiian Bank, which began its Kokua Mai employee-giving program in 2007 to give back to the community, is pledging to donate $2.5 million to Hawaii nonprofits in 2011, raising its total contribution to charities to more than $5 million over a two-year period.

The state’s largest bank and its 2,200 employees gave more than $2.5 million to more than 400 local charities in 2010, with employees and retirees raising more than $560,000 of that amount for 38 designated charities during its Kokua Mai fund drive in October. The donations ranged from $2,000 to $159,000.

Some 94 percent of the bank’s employees participated in the Kokua Mai program last year, up from 91 percent in 2009, said First Hawaiian Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Don Horner. The balance of the $2.5 million was provided by the bank and its foundation. First Hawaiian administers the employee campaign with 100 percent of the donations going directly to local charities.

"I’ve been with the bank for 32 years, and giving back to the community is just part of the fabric of this institution," Horner said. "We’ve had a long history dating back to Mr. Bishop as far as reinvesting back in the community. It’s part of our corporate culture. The company understands that we’re part of the community and this is our home, and so if the social fabric of the community improves, then it’s good for everyone."

Lynn Brown, executive director of Make-a-Wish Foundation Hawaii, said the $39,793 it received "will help us fulfill more wishes to deserving Hawaii keiki."

"During these tough economic times, when residents can be hard pressed to contribute to charity, it’s gratifying to have a company like First Hawaiian Bank and its employees exhibit such leadership and generosity," Brown said.

Since the program’s 2007 inception, the bank’s employees have donated nearly $2.5 million to charities in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan.

"Our employees are sincerely committed to their communities and also volunteer their time and talents at nonprofits throughout the year," Horner said.

Karen L. Jayne, executive director of Imua Family Services, said its $2,295 grant will allow children with developmental disabilities and delays on Maui and Lanai "to receive the vital services they need to reach their full potential in life."

Jerry Rauckhorst, Catholic Charities Hawaii president and executive officer, said the $26,638 donation to his organization "will go a long way to help people in need right here in Hawaii."

THE POWER OF "YES"

First Hawaiian’s 38 nonprofit beneficiaries from its Kokua Mai fundraising campaign:
1. Aloha United Way
2. Aloha Harvest
3. American Red Cross
4. Ayuda Foundation
5. Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council
6. Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii
7. Catholic Charities Hawaii
8. Child and Family Service
9. Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
10. Domestic Violence Action Center
11. Easter Seals Hawaii
12. Family Programs Hawaii
13. Girl Scout Council of Hawaii
14. Goodwill Industries of Hawaii Inc.
15. Hale Kipa
16. Hale Makua
17. Hawaii Foodbank Inc.
18. Hawaii Island United Way
19. Hawaii Nature Center
20. Hawaii’s Children Cancer Foundation
21. HUGS
22. Imua Family Services
23. Kamaaina Kids
24. Kauai Hospice
25. Kauai United Way
26. Lanai Community Association
27. MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving
28. Make-a-Wish Hawaii Inc.
29. Make-a-Wish Guam
30. Maui United Way
31. PACT (Parents and Children Together)
32. PATCH (Parents Attentive to Children)
33. Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii
34. Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division
35. Special Olympics Hawaii Inc.
36. Teach for America
37. The ARC in Hawaii
38. Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center